How important is S/N Ratio....?

Well noise in coming from Vinyl is a part of the playback which I think is totally different from the noise generated from an amplifier. Noise coming from the playback of analog sources is inherent to the technology itself, where physical contact is required. However, the noise from an amplifier is more like a flawed power supply and interference issue.

I know I am intruding to a 2 person discussion here but theories do suggest that an amplifier with low noise means a good power supply and a product of a good circuit designer. Low distortion generally means an amplifier that gives less fatigue to the listener. Of course different distortions contribute to a different sound. Since these topics have long been covered and tested before why not let's move on to an issue on the effect of amplifier damping on a loudspeaker because it seems that there is a trend of going for a very high damping in the amplifier industry of late, and with good results.

Long time audiophile magazine reader here.
Best
Alexander

Damping factor has been discussed many times on these forums and it is also misleading to pursue this number. I maintain that above a damping factor of 50 then you gain next to nothing. In fact, extremely high damping factors may be indicative of very high amounts of feedback and just like an amplifier with a specification from 10 Hz to 400 Khz I am wary of these kind of amps (Why do I need to amplify signals out to 400 Khz - surely it is better to get rid of this unwanted stuff). To me - there is danger in chasing excessive specifications which do not add anything to the sound quality but run the risk of making the amplifier less stable under difficult operating conditions....just two cents.

Oh and three things to look for in an amplifier:

1) More Power

2) More Power

3) More Power

...forgive me a cruel chuckle and a wink to Mini-Me!

Alexander....join the party....this seems to be not such a hot topic.....but let me put this in terms of my real experience..

After years of spending thousands on cables and other tweaks....to improve the noise floor....and it did remove grunge....I started replacing capacitors in my componets.

The preamp was first....major difference....then the coupling caps in my dac....again increased clarity,transparency....I was on to something here because these 2 caps were low noise and frankly the change was indeed stunning...Next was the amplifier...

Recapping and changing the 2 power supply caps was so much better...not incramentel but I would say a quantum leap...now people talk about live....well in theory a microphone should pick up everything within it's range. Sound,reverb,decay,air movement and changes in pressure,ect. Well in the best digital recordings for once I feel like I am hearing everything that a mike can pick up.

Now just changing capacitors...why that much difference..The tech sheet says reduces distortion by a 1000 pct and has a noise level of -135 db down or more....these are super low noise....and they are because I can hear it.

I won't go into the what equipment or circuits....you may or may not get this kinda of sound quality.....I just got lucky and upgraded some equipment that I had for years.

But the most improvement I heard was in the amplifier....in every aspect....you name it....everything.

Like I said I dont know if THD is the cart or the noise is the horse.....but the capacitors are "super low noise".

Now we are talking. If you talk high quality components then yes there is a difference. This is much easier to appreciate than "specifications" in a brochure.

Eliminating transformers from the signal path (often non linear). Installing better quality capacitors - absolutely important if poor quality ones were used. (also bear in mind that some types of capacitors age and can dry out - so in this case it can make a HUGE/NIGHT AND DAY difference on a piece of gear that is ten+ years old) High quality AIR core inductors - absolutely. Resistors are usually less of a problem but wirewounds are recommended in high power applications.

Also just as a general rule - eliminating capacitors/resistors/inductors from high power paths (such as in crossovers) also helps a lot.

I have no problem agreeing with that - 100%